With most couples, to “take the plunge” means a graceful stroll down an aisle lined with fragrant flowers and adoring smiles, a dress the color of cream, trimmed with pearls and lace, and a well-pressed tuxedo. Apparently, no one mentioned that to Hannah Leight and Chris Storms.

It is 2011, after all, and although some couples still enjoy a more traditional route to the “altar,” many couples celebrate their weddings at beaches or outdoor gardens. Some of the more adventurous types even do it on horseback or at the top of a mountain. Others, however, like Hannah and Chris, prefer to do it while falling at 120 mph.

The couple met at a rock climbing gym. Chris had climbed all over the world, and was working there as an instructor. According to Hannah, who had just joined the gym, “I had no idea what I was doing and he came over to offer advice.” The next time she went to the gym, he asked for her number and their first date was rock climbing at Hammond Pond, a park near Boston. “I knew he was the one from day one,” she said.

Hannah is serving in the United States Coast Guard and about 10 months after meeting Chris she was ordered to North Carolina, and so they decided to get married. Although neither Chris nor Hannah had ever gone skydiving previously, the decision to exchange their vows at an altitude of 14,000 feet was easy. Both are very adventurous and taking the proverbial plunge while literally jumping out of an airplane seemed to be a thrilling, memorable and appropriate way to begin their lives together.

Chris and Hannah contacted Skydive New England in Lebanon, Maine and spoke with Emma Pickard. According to Pickard, the manifest at SNE and a mad skydiver herself, they wanted to get married during freefall. “It’s been done,” she told them, offering to help them explore the possibilities. Unfortunately, they could not convince the sensible and cautious notary public who was to marry them to also jump out of that perfectly good airplane. Therefore, it was decided that the figural “plunge” would take place in the airplane, just moments before the literal “plunge.”

The couple originally planned on getting married on July 18, but resourceful Hannah looked at the 10-day forecast and didn’t like what she saw. They decided to move the date up and two days later, on July 11, they found themselves on their way to Lebanon, Maine for the adventure of a lifetime and to begin a lifetime together. “I was ready to start the rest of my life with Hannah,” said Chris.

When they arrived at Skydive New England, they watched the safety video, filled out the requisite paperwork, and received all the necessary instructions and training required of everyone who skydives with SNE. Then, they waited their turn. “Waiting was the hardest part,” said Hannah. “Right before we were supposed to go, we were told that there were high winds … but it all worked out.”

According to Hannah, “I don’t know if we were more nervous and excited because of the wedding or because of the skydiving.” In the twin engine Otter that would be their chapel, she was focused on the wedding. “I was sitting next to the love of my life, about to marry him and jump out of a plane. We were both full of energy … it was crazy.” The sky was a brilliant blue, the winds suddenly auspicious, and they were ready to take their plunges.

Hannah and Chris were each strapped to experienced SNE jumpmasters for their tandem flights. The jumpmasters served as witnesses to the simple and happy exchange of vows and rings. “The justice of the peace was such a good sport,” explained Hannah, even though she also had to wear a parachute, just in case.

After the ceremony it was time to “go for it.”

“We got married and then went skydiving. In my mind it was one gigantic event,” said Chris.

Hannah’s reaction to the realization that they really had to jump out of the plane was not quite as serene: “Oh my goodness, we’re going skydiving!”

A good husband already, Chris went first. Hannah, next, described the experience as “a rush” and “absolutely amazing.” There is nothing like a mile-long, 120 mph free fall, followed by a quiet, satisfied parachute ride back to earth to clear your mind, focus your priorities and prepare you for whatever lies ahead.

Safely back on solid ground and queasy stomachs settled, they celebrated with a kiss, some bottled water and a banana at SNE’s Ripcord Café before the drive home.

Although there was no “reception” after the wedding, they are planning a small celebration on Nantucket Island with family and friends after Hannah graduates from Coast Guard Aviation training. Hannah shared, “This was as simple as we could get, and I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better … just two people in love doing what they love!”

Pickard, who helped Hannah and Chris plan their wedding at Skydive New England, enjoys helping people make their crazy dreams come true. In addition to the occasional wedding, they have a lot of couples who become engaged at SNE. “Sometimes [the hopeful groom] will provide us with a banner that says ‘marry me.’ We put it on the ground so that she will see it as she’s approaching the field.” Sometimes he just gets down on one knee at the drop zone, taking advantage of her natural “high” to ensure the answer he is looking for.

Hannah and Chris presently live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts and, although they will be relocating in September, may celebrate their first anniversary with another skydiving adventure.

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